Cystitis in cats

[Michelle699]

My cat Alfredo suffered a series of bladder obstructions. Ultimately, I elected to have a perineal urethrostomy performed on him. He no longer blocks, but is a (genetic, I guess?) crystal-maker. It doesn't matter WHAT food he is on: Hill's Rx SD, raw food, etc--he churns out crystals. Consequently, he has frequent bladder inflammation and extremely painful urination.  He is experiencing that now--for the past three days he has been urinating in tiny, bloody drops, always accompanied by a LONG and uncomfortable-appearing squat. The poor little guy! How can I relieve his inflammation? I believe in alternative medicine and periodically I dose him with homeopathic Cantharis. I am willing to give him any homeopathic, Chinese medicine, or western medical relief! Would prednisone on a VERY limited basis help?

Thank you for any enlightenment! I just want my poor boy to be COMFORTABLE.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Try giving: Cranberry capsules, the Chinese herbal remedy: Ba Sheng San, or Jing Tang Herbal companies, Crystal Stone Formula", and giving subcutaneous fluid therapy to help diuresis out crystals with extra fluids so that they can't linger long enough to become stones.

All of these are safe enough for long time use

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

You should be able to get a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase the saline bags and extension sets either online or at some pharmacies.

Our bags of Saline or LRS fluids sell for $7 or $8 for 1000mls.  The extension sets are another $5 and needles are $1 each.

[Michelle699]

Thank you so much for the very fast and informative reply!

May I ask you: he was on subQ fluids here at home (I learned how to do it). I bought a bag of saline from the emergency vet (at 3:00 am his last visit there before is surgery). It was $45.00 (!), which is ludicrous for a bag of saline!! Does one need to be a health care practitioner to get these bags, or can I just order them myself?

Thank you very much,
Michelle